Contact lens case with indicia void indicators

ABSTRACT

A contact lens case includes manually adjustable counters or time indicators on the left and/or right well caps utilizing voids, cut-outs or apertures to define indicia used to represent time intervals for lens replacement, maintenance, or other activities. A rotatable time indicator dial is connected to the top of the cap in a first embodiment, whereas a rotating indicia dial is confined under a windowed cover in a second embodiment. The dials are indexed by a paw or pin that seats into recesses in the disc and along the centerline of the indicia desired to be accented, windowed or illuminated. Accent of indicia voids by illumination can be by an exterior direct or diffused light source, or internally from chemical luminance or other means.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application 61/398,673 filed Jun. 30, 2010.

BACKGROUND

Since the inception of contact lenses, a person was required to transport, clean and care for the lenses on a regular basis. Furthermore, the person was generally required to keep track of the time period a set of lenses has been in use.

Other types of medical devices have been utilized to track the time periods for medical purposes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,920,912 discloses a windowed rotating disc pivoting on the top surface of a container cap with a plurality of time marks arranged or attached to the top surface of the cap and viewed through the window as the disc is rotated. The time marks are defined as molded, painted or printed on to the cap.

In another example, a disposable reminder device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,614 for attachment to a container with manually set dials on which indicia may be colored for highlighting.

Other existing art includes container caps displaying engraved, embossed, debossed or printed indicia on an indicator wheel; indicia that are marked, stamped, use stickers or decals, springs or magnetic digits, or other means of physically or chemically altering the surface of the dials to form the indicia.

SUMMARY

In light of the foregoing, it can be appreciated there is a need for visually improved recognition of indicia on contact lens cases. Illumination of only the indicia dial with white or colored light is not efficient, nor acceptably effective, unless the light can easily pass through the disc where a permanent void provides the least resistance to the reflected or generated light source.

In cases where contact lens may be used to cosmetically alter the color, or other distinctions, of the eye; or where the user has poor vision and needs a method of easily recognizing the indicia data; determination of the indicia by feel is a major advantage in low light conditions or when the lens user has difficulty visually determining indicia data.

Therefore, the need for a method and devices utilizing permanent voids to represent desired indicia such as counting or time indicators is recognized.

In particular, the contact lens case eliminates the problem of illegibility of indicia caused from wear, fading, or other destructive activity and provides easy indication of the indicia by touch or visual accent. Visual accent may be from illumination, color or contrast to highlight the indicia void from underneath.

Example embodiments are hereby disclosed that teach and demonstrate indexed indicia indicating a date of the month as a reminder to the user of the time interval for maintenance or replacement of the lens. Alternately, a plurality of selectable indexed numbers, days, letters, symbols or other indicia can be arranged to represent any data desired to be retained with the lens case.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a lens case assembly wherein an exposed top dial of each cap assembly is shown in exploded manner and includes indicia thereon;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the lens case assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the lens case assembly shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross section view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a lens case assembly wherein a cover and an enclosed dial are shown in an exploded manner and include indicia thereon;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the lens case assembly shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lens case assembly shown in FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a cross section view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a contact lens case having a base (1) defining a left lens well and a right lens well, a first dial (2) attached to the top of the left lens well cap assembly (3) upon which dial (2) are placed a plurality of indicia (4) defining numbers representing the tens digit of a calendar month date, and a second dial (5) attached to the top of the right lens well cap assembly (6) with a plurality of indicia (7) defining numbers that represent the single digit of a calendar month date. The illustrated embodiment displays the number “10” as an example of a selected month date. The indicia (4) and (7) are defined by absence of disc material or voids that allow identification by both sight and touch.

Suitable methods for creating the indicia voids include injection mold blockages to produce voids, laser or mechanical cutting, shear punching, chemically or thermally modifying the carrier to produce voids, or other means.

The method of producing indicia voids for indicators on a contact lens case consists of utilizing an aperture, cut out, window, hole or other void to represent indicia on various locations on the lens well cap. The cap has a manually adjustable indexed indicator device such as a dial, wheel, carrier or cover used for counting or time representations such as days or dates.

These voids may be accented by observation through a window, notch or opening on a cover, or by illumination of the space within the void from either direct or indirect (diffused) light producing a contrasting or accenting color or brightness. The illumination source may direct light through air or other media such as optic tubes, fibers or other carriers; and may be directed at the carrier from the side in order to illuminate the entire carrier except the void, or at surrounding parts of the cap or cover to produce unique light patterns for easy recognition of the indicia by sight. Illumination may be from luminescent, fluorescent, chemical or other self-powered light sources.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lens well cap assemblies (3) and (6) have threads on the inside surface that mate with threads on the base (1) to allow the caps to be rotated to close with the base (1) and retain a contact lens with desired solutions, liquids, or fluids sealed within the well. The sealing surfaces are the top of the wells in the base (1) and the underside of the caps (3) and (6) above the threads. Recesses (14) and (15) along the circumference of the caps (3) and (6) allow acquisition of a firm grip on caps (3) and (6) with one hand.

Once the cap assemblies (3) and (6) have been unscrewed and removed from the base (1), in order to prevent incorrect cap replacement onto the wrong well, the illustrated embodiment uses indicia letters “L” (8) and “R” (9) displayed on the top center of the caps (3) and (6). The base (1) is not symmetric from front to rear allowing correct positioning of the base before screwing on the labeled caps (3) and (6). In one embodiment, the indicia “L” (8) and “R” (9) are identified by the contrasting colors between the caps (3) and (6). More specifically, the dials (2) and (5) contrasting with accent tabs (12) and (13) which fill the voids of indicia “L” (8) and “R” (9) with a color contrasting material for easy visual recognition. An alternate method of ensuring the proper placement of the caps is to vary the diameter of the left and right wells to physically prevent incorrect cap placement.

FIG. 4 illustrates a section view of cap (6) mated with accent tab (13). In the illustrated embodiment, the contact lens case includes a circumferential lip mating with shoulders (20) and (19) of the base (1) that provide lateral support for dials (2) and (5), respectively. The indicator dial (2) on the left cap (3) is indexed by left pin (10) whereas indicator dial (5) is indexed on the right cap (6) by right pin (11).

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the left indicia (4) is illuminated or accented by the left accent tab (12) underneath indicator dial (2). Likewise, the right indicia (7) is illuminated or accented by the right accent tab (13) underneath indicator dial (5). In one embodiment, the indicia is illuminated by external diffused light reflected off the accent tabs (12) and (13), which pass through the voids that define indicia (4) and (7), to the viewer.

In one embodiment, the indicia (4) (7) are illuminated by external light that reflects off of accent tabs (12) (13) having different colors and/or contrasts. In an alternate embodiment, the light is generated by the accent tabs (12) (13), either internally or from the surface of the material. For example, in one embodiment the accent tabs (12) (13) include luminescent properties based upon chemical reactions, which allows indicia (4) and (7) to be identified in very low light.

Recesses (16) are located on the outer perimeter of indicator dial (2) and evenly spaced around the outer perimeter of indicator dial (2) to aid in manual rotation. Similar recesses (17) are located on the outside perimeter of the indicator dial (5) to aid in manual rotation. In one embodiment, ten indicia numbers (7) are evenly spaced around indicator dial (5), each with a corresponding recess (17) centered on each number. In this embodiment, the indicia (4) represent the tens digit of a month date, while the indicia (7) represent the single digits of a month date. Indexing recesses (18) are located in channel (24), as shown in FIG. 4, and function to index the position of each singles or tens digit indicia to be centered on tabs (12) and (13).

FIG. 2 provides a top view of the assembled case composed of the base (1) with left cap (3) and right cap (6) with their respective dials (2) and (5) over their respective wells. The accent of indexed indicia numbers (21) and (22) is displayed to demonstrate the accent properties of tabs (12) and (13). In this illustration, the number “1” (21) has been selected (i.e., rotated to a “first position indicator” over the tab (12)) to be the desired tens digit of indicia (4) on indicator dial (2) on top of left cap (3), whereas the number “0” (22) has been selected (i.e., rotated to a “second position indicator” over the tab (13)) to be the desired singles digit of indicia (7) on the right indicator dial (5). Together these form the completed number of “10”.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the assembled base (1), caps (3) and (6), and with installed dials (2) and (5). Recesses (16) and (17) have easy access for user fingertips, and provide a surface relief to increase grip or traction for manual rotation of dials (2) and (5).

FIG. 4 shows a cross section view along the line 4-4 defined in FIG. 2. The cross section is typical for each well. In the illustrated embodiment, the base (1) is molded as one part having the left and right lens wells. The right lens cap (6) threads on and seals against the base (1) at point (23). The indexing pin (11) on right cap (6), and pin (10) on the left cap (3) slide and snap into typical recess (18) located in typical channel (24) and in line with the center of indicia 0 (22) on dial (5) as shown in FIG. 2, and indicia (21) on dial (2) to hold the indicia in the desired observation position over the accent tab (13) on cap (6) and tab (12) on cap (3). The section line in FIG. 2 also goes through the center of accent tab (13) as shown on cap (6) and accent tab (12) on cap (3), and indicia “5” (7). Shoulder (19) retains the dial (5) as shown on cap (6), and similarly retains dial (2) on cap (3). Indicia R (9) is shown protruding through contrasting tab (13).

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate another embodiment of the contact lens case. FIG. 5 has a supporting base (25) similar to base (1) as disclosed in the first embodiment, including a threaded left and right lens wells and a non-symmetrical base bottom. A left cap (26) has threads on the inside of the cap (26) that mate with those on the outside of the base (25) left well, and screw onto the well to form a seal (52) shown in FIG. 8, identical to the seal (23) disclosed in the first embodiment between the base (1) and the cap (3). Similarly, cap (27) screws onto the right well of base (25) and forms a fluid tight seal.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, the top of caps (26) and (27) are designed to accept an indicator dial (28) and indexing paw (29) on left cap (26), and indicator dial (30) and indexing paw (31) on right cap (27). The access plane (32) is defined on the left cap (26), and a similar image access plane (33) is located on right cap (27). These planes allow easy access for user fingers to dials (28) and (30) for manual operation and provide a platform for accent coloring or light.

Indicator dials (28) and (30) have a plurality of indicia voids representing numbers that are evenly spaced about them. Left Indicator dial (28) has indicia (34) that indicates the tens digit of a number such as a month date, whereas right indicator dial (30) has indicia (35) that indicate the single units digit of a number such as a month date. Both digits combined compile the number desired which could be a counter or represent a complete date of the month. This embodiment displays the exemplary number “15”.

Recesses (36) located on the inside perimeter of dial (28) are centered on each indicia and act as a position lock when retained by paw (29) that indexes the indicia centered over accent plane (32). Similarly, recesses (37) are located on the inside perimeter of dial (30) along the centerline of indicia (35), and are positioned by paw (31) over accent plane (33).

A cover (40) snaps over a shoulder (41) on the upper perimeter on cap (26) and protects the dial (28) from incidental or accidental rotation after the desired index position of the indicia (34) has been selected. A window (42) penetrates cover (40) to expose the selected indicia (34) where reflected or generated light from surface (43) provides background lighting as it travels through the aligned indicia void (34), through window (42) to the user. A notch (44) in cover (40) allows easy manual operation of dial (28). Additionally, a void representing the letter L (45) is centered in cover (40) for identification of left cap (26).

Similarly, cover (46) is attached to shoulder (47) on right cap (27) to protect dial (30) and to allow viewing of indicia (35) through window (48). The indicia (35) are backlit from surface (49) of the respective cap. Furthermore, a notch (51) to provide access to the dial (30) and a void in the cover (46) defining an “R” (50) is located on the cover (46).

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the assembled case showing the base (25), seated caps (26) and (27), mounted indicator dials (28) and (30), and pressed on covers (40) and (46) as an assembled unit. This view shows in true shape the access area for manual operation of dials (28) and (30) through notches (44) and (51). Surface relief such as stippling (38) and (39) located on the outside perimeter of dials (28) and (30) provides traction for the user's fingertips while rotating the dials (28) and (30). Access planes (32) and (33) provide further access to dials (28) and (30) by sloping away from the dial perimeters. High visibility color or luminescent color may added to the access planes (32) and (33) to visually accent the operational area of the dials (28) and (30). Openings (42) and (48) in covers (40) and (46) allow viewing indicia (34) and (35) in this view illustrating the number “15”. Voids L (45) and R (50) in covers (40) and (46) identify the lens cap by vision and touch.

FIG. 7 shows a side view where the elevation of the manual access area for operation of dials (28) and (30) is shown in true shape, including the vertical component of access planes (32) and (33). Base (25) has a relief design on the bottom identical to that of the first embodiment, whereas identification of front from back of the lens case can be determined by touch. Cap assemblies (26) and (27) are shown mounted thread tight on the base (25).

FIG. 8 shows a cross section view along the line 8-8 defined in FIG. 6. The cross section is typical for each well. The base (25) and integral left and right lens wells are molded as one part. The lens cap assembly is comprised of the cap body (27), and mated with the part access plane (33) which includes surface (49) and provides housing for paw (31). The cap assembly threads on and seals against base (25) at point (52). The indicator dial (30) is shown confined by access plane part (33) and cover (46) which is retained by shoulder (47). Dial (30) has an outside perimeter relief (39) to aid in manual rotation of the dial (30) in the access area inclusive from notch (51) to access plane (33). Paw (31) seats in recess (37) to position selected indicia (35) centered over lighting surface (49) to allow light through the indicia void (35) aligned with the window (48) in cover (46). Similarly, letter indicia (50) are backlit.

Other counting or timing configurations of indicia may be utilized with this method provided that voided indicia are utilized.

The materials that comprise the majority of the lens case are preferably plastic configured by injection molding. Differing types of plastic can be utilized to meet functional requirements such as structural durability and wear considerations. One example is to use a flexible plastic for use as indexing paws (29) and (31) such as polycarbonate; the body (1) and (25) and other parts of the assembly may be made of a thermosetting plastic such as PVC or polyvinyl chloride. Other materials may be used that fulfill structural, durability, economical and other requirements for use as a lens case.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed as limiting. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the operations shown in the figures are merely examples. In various embodiments, similar operations can include more or fewer steps than those shown in the figures. Furthermore, in other embodiments, similar operations can include the steps of the operations shown in the figures in different orders or be executed concurrently. Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. 

1. A contact lens case comprising: a base defining a well to receive a contact lens and a quantity of liquid, the base having a threaded exterior wall around the well; a cap having complementary threads to engage the threaded exterior wall of the base, the cap being selectively engaged with the base, the engagement of the cap having an open position that exposes and allows access to the well and a closed position that covers the well and establishes a fluid tight seal, the cap having a void defining a letter indicia that designates that the well is provided for a left or right contact lens; a dial operatively disposed on the cap such that the dial rotates about an axis, the dial having a plurality of voids arranged around a perimeter of the dial that define a plurality of indicia, the dial being selectively rotatable such that any one of the indicia may be positioned at a first location; and an illumination source positioned below the dial at the first location to highlight a particular one of the indicia at the first location, wherein the particular one of the indicia may be selected by rotation of the dial to provide information concerning a time period that the contact lens has been in use.
 2. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein the illumination source directs external diffused light to pass through the voids that define the particular one of the indicia at the first location.
 3. The contact lens case of claim 2, wherein the illumination source comprises an accent tab secured to the cap at the first location.
 4. The contact lens case of claim 2, further comprising a cover attached to the cap over top of the dial, wherein the cover includes a window at the first location to allow the external diffused light passing through the voids of the particular one indicia to be viewed through the window, and wherein the cover further defines a notch to allow the dial to be selectively rotated underneath the cover so that any one of the indicia may be aligned with the window.
 5. The contact lens case of claim 1, wherein chemical properties of the illumination source provide luminescence to direct light through the voids that define the particular one of the indicia at the first location.
 6. The contact lens case of claim 5, wherein the illumination source comprises an accent tab secured to the cap at the first location.
 7. The contact lens case of claim 5, further comprising a cover attached to the cap over top of the dial, wherein the cover includes a window at the first location to allow the luminescence passing through the voids that define the particular one indicia to be viewed through the window, and wherein the cover further defines a notch to allow the dial to be selectively rotated underneath the cover so that any one of the indicia may be aligned with the window.
 8. A contact lens case comprising: a base defining at least a first well and a second well to each receive a contact lens and a quantity of liquid, the base having threaded exterior walls around the first well and the second well; a first cap having complementary threads to engage the threaded exterior wall around the first well, the first cap being selectively engaged with the base, the engagement of the first cap having an open position that exposes and allows access to the first well and a closed position that covers the first well and establishes a fluid tight seal, the first cap having one or more voids that define a letter “L” indicia located proximate to a center of the first cap that designates that the first well is provided for a left contact lens; a first position indicator disposed on the first cap, the first position indicator contrasting with the first cap to provide an accented area, the first position indicator being located between the “L” indicia and a perimeter of the first cap; a first indexing pin mounted to the first cap and projecting upwards, the indexing pin being located at a spaced location between the “L” indicia and the perimeter of the first cap; a first dial operatively connected to the first cap such that the first dial rotates about the “L” indicia and covers at least a portion of the first position indicator, the first dial having a plurality of voids arranged around a perimeter of the first dial that define a plurality of first indicia, each of the first indicia being approximately the size of the first position indicator, the first dial including a recess adjacent each one of the plurality of first indicia such that the first indexing pin is received in a recess to reduce non-deliberate rotation of the first dial, the first dial being selectively rotatable such that only a particular one of the first indicia is located over the first position indicator thereby accentuating the particular one of the first indicia with respect to the remaining first indicia; a second cap having complementary threads to engage the threaded exterior wall around the second well, the second cap being selectively engaged with the base, the engagement of the second cap having an open position that exposes and allows access to the second well and a closed position that covers the second well and establishes a fluid tight seal, the second cap having one or more voids that define a letter “R” indicia located proximate to a center of the second cap that designates that the second well is provided for a right contact lens; a second position indicator disposed on the second cap, the second position indicator contrasting with the second cap, the second position indicator being located between the “R” indicia and a perimeter of the second cap; a second indexing pin mounted to the second cap and projecting upwards, the indexing pin being located at a spaced location between the “R” indicia and the perimeter of the second cap; and a second dial operatively connected to the second cap such that the second dial rotates about the “R” indicia and covers at least a portion of the second position indicator, the second dial having a plurality of voids arranged around a perimeter of the second dial that define a plurality of second indicia, each of the second indicia being approximately the size of the second position indicator, the second dial further including a recess adjacent each one of the plurality of second indicia such that the second indexing pin is received in a recess to reduce non-deliberate rotation of the second dial, and the second dial being selectively rotatable such that only a particular one of the second indicia is located over the second position indicator thereby accentuating the particular one of the second indicia with respect to the remaining second indicia.
 9. The contact lens case of claim 8, wherein the first dial and second dial each include a plurality of recesses along a circumference of the respective dials to increase traction for manual rotation of the dials.
 10. The contact lens case of claim 8, wherein the first position indicator and the second position indicator allow external diffused light to pass through the voids that define the particular ones of the first and second indicia, respectively.
 11. The contact lens case of claim 10, wherein the first and second position indicators each include an accent tab positioned below the respective first and second dials to allow external light to reflect off the accent tabs and illuminate the voids that define the particular ones of the first and second indicia.
 12. The contact lens case of claim 8 wherein the first and second position indicators include chemical properties that provide luminescence to illuminate the voids that define the particular ones of the respective first and second indicia.
 13. The contact lens case of claim 8 wherein the plurality of indicia on one of the first and second dials includes four indicia numbers spaced around the dial perimeter that represent the tens digit of a month date, and the plurality of indicia on the other one of the first and second dials includes ten indicia numbers spaced around the dial perimeter that represent the singles digit of a month date.
 14. A contact lens case comprising: a base defining at least a first well and a second well to each receive a contact lens and a quantity of liquid, the base having threaded exterior walls around the first well and the second well; a first cap having complementary threads to engage the threaded exterior wall around the first well, the first cap being selectively engaged with the base, the engagement of the first cap having an open position that exposes and allows access to the first well and a closed position that covers the first well and establishes a fluid tight seal; a first indexing paw mounted to the first cap and projecting upwards; a first dial rotatably disposed on the first cap, the first dial having a plurality of voids being arranged around a perimeter of the first dial that define a plurality of first indicia, the first dial including a recess adjacent each one of the plurality of first indicia such that the first indexing paw is received in a recess to reduce non-deliberate rotation of the first dial; a first cover attached to the first cap and substantially overlaying the first dial, the first cover having one or more voids that define a letter “L” indicia located proximate to a center of the first cover that designates that the first well is provided for a left contact lens, the first cover defining a first window being approximately the size of one of the first indicia, and the first cover further defining a notch providing access to selectively rotate the first dial such that only a particular one of the first indicia is viewed through the first window thereby accentuating the particular one of the first indicia; a second cap having complementary threads to engage the threaded exterior wall around the second well, the second cap being selectively engaged with the base, the engagement of the second cap having an open position that exposes and allows access to the second well and a closed position that covers the second well and establishes a fluid tight seal; a second indexing paw mounted to the second cap and projecting upwards; and a second dial rotatably disposed on the second cap, the second dial having a plurality of voids being arranged around the perimeter of the second dial that define a plurality of second indicia, the second dial including a recess adjacent each one of the plurality of second indicia such that the second indexing paw is received in a recess to reduce non-deliberate rotation of the second dial; a second cover attached to the second cap and substantially overlaying the second dial, the second cover having one or more voids that define a letter “R” indicia located proximate to a center of the second cover that designates that the second well is provided for a right contact lens, said second cover defining a second window being approximately the size of one of the second indicia, and the second cover further defining a notch providing access to selectively rotate the second dial such that only a particular one of the second indicia is viewed through the second window thereby accentuating the particular one of the second indicia.
 15. The contact lens case of claim 14 wherein the first dial and second dial each include a plurality of recesses along a circumference of the respective dials to increase traction for manual rotation of the dials.
 16. The contact lens case of claim 14 wherein: the first cap includes a lighting surface that underlies the first rotatable dial to illuminate the voids that define the particular one of the first indicia within the first window; and the second cap includes a lighting surface that underlies the second rotatable dial to illuminate the voids that define the particular one of the second indicia within the second window.
 17. The contact lens case of claim 16 wherein the lighting surface of each of the first and second caps allows external diffused light to pass through the voids that define the particular ones of the first and second indicia, respectively.
 18. The contact lens case of claim 16 wherein the lighting surface of each of the first and second caps includes chemical properties that provides luminescence to illuminate the voids that define the particular ones of the first and second indicia, respectively.
 19. The contact lens case of claim 14 wherein the plurality of indicia on one of the first and second dials includes four indicia numbers spaced around the dial perimeter that represent the tens digit of a month date, and the plurality of indicia on the other one of the first and second dials includes ten indicia numbers spaced around the dial perimeter that represent the singles digit of a month date. 